New GM for Whitsunday Coast Airport announced

Council's CEO Barry Omundson said this was a key appointment for the region as the Whitsunday Coast Airport had experienced record growth over the past 12 months.

"Council undertook an exhaustive recruitment process over July and August with some very high quality candidates putting their hands up for the role.

"We have expanded the former General Manager Whitsunday Coast Airport role to include commercial infrastructure creating a key position which will also encompass the $20 million Shute Harbour Project.

"Brian is a high quality person and has had an extensive 20 year career in a variety of aviation sectors," Mr Omundson said.

Mayor Willcox welcomed Mr Joiner to the organisation and said it was a timely appointment.
"A number of major infrastructure projects over the next few years will be game changers for our region.

"Work is already progressing on the $25 million runway upgrade and stakeholder consultation has already started for the $15 million terminal expansion.

"With record passenger numbers of 41,470 passing through the terminal in July alone we are on target to welcome over 500,000 passengers over the next 12 months," he said.

"Passengers number had almost doubled in the last year making Whitsunday Coast Airport one of the fastest growing regional airports in Australia."

Mr Joiner started his aviation career as an air traffic controller with Airservices Australia in the 1990s and progressed through a variety of operational and management roles.

He has held a number of senior roles managing aviation support and major commercial activities within Australia and project delivery overseas.

He then moved into airport management with Melbourne Airport as their Aviation Strategy Manager which involved strategic planning and managing the aviation capital budget through the global financial crisis of 2007.

Following several years with the Department of Defence, Brian most recently held the position of Airport Manager Karratha Airport which is the second busiest airport in Western Australia.

Some of his more notable achievements in this period included commissioning of a solar farm, redevelopment of the forecourt and car parks, upgrading airfield lighting and overseeing a package of international and domestic flight initiatives.

Mr Joiner said he was excited about his new role in the Whitsunday Region.

"The Whitsundays are very progressive and dynamic and boast plenty of potential," he said.

"I'm looking forward to working with business and tourism stakeholders and engaging with the community.

"My aim is to provide great facilities, particularly at the Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour, that will underpin regional growth".

An avid Australian Football follower, Mr Joiner said he was looking forward to living in the Whitsundays.

"Even if that does mean following rugby league and drinking strange beer," he joked.